I recently bought some computer equipment that had rebates on them. I filled out the appropriate paperwork, attached the necessary documents and UPC symbols, etc. and mailed them off. I just got an email the other day for one of them. They tell me my rebate is rejected because I didn't supply them with the UPC symbol. I would have no problem with this...except... I FREAKING KNOW I DIDN'T FORGET. I made sure to put that stuff in there and I still have the box with the damn thing cut out (I just cut out the entire flap that had it on there). So either they lost it when they opened the envelope, or they are outright lying in hopes that I will just give up and not try to get my money. I'm guessing it is the latter, personally. So my question to my BBS Hangout brethren is, what can I do about this? I can't really prove they received it, but it is gone and I can't send them another one. I could call them and b**** and moan, but what incentive do they have to relent and give me my money? Is there anything at all that can be done?
I could give that a try, but unfortunately I bought it at Best Buy and it is a factory warranty, not a Best Buy one...so I have a feeling it won't get me much of anywhere.
Rebate processing companies lie. I'm convinced of it. I've had this happen to me before which is why I never buy something just because of a rebate. I'd take it up with Best Buy. The sad thing is that you don't have the proof of purchase anymore.
I think the key thing is persistence...you should still have the individual company's mailing address, so use that, because I don't think Best Buy has much to do with it. Apparently rebates are one of the most profitable marketing ploys, mainly because the rate of people who turn them in, even without all the lying and scamming, is low. Then they make it worse by having 10 different code numbers, and generally make it a confusing mess. However, something similar happened to me with a product from Best Buy, and I mailed the stuff back to the rebate company after they initially denied my claim, but this time I included copies of everything -- every possible number involved with the box/stickers/receipts, I just included it in the forms, along with photocopies of the box, and a nice but firm letter. Worth the hassle in the future? probably not...now the only rebates I want any part of are the instant ones. Bloody crooks.
I forgot to send in a $400 rebate last year. I still can't believe how stupid I am. If you sent it in, though, fight until they give you credit. No matter how long, no matter how tiring, stick it to them. Call, email, fax, mail, threaten legal action -- whatever it takes. Just because they're big, doesn't mean they can bully you. Good luck, dude!
A good move if you have a camera is to layout all the stuff they want you to send in and take a pic of them. that way you have proof that you sent it...or at least that you had it all together.
I'm thinking of taking a pic of the box with the UPC symbol cut out so they can see that I didn't just forget it, but that it is freaking gone. Thanks for the responses, guys. I will definitely go talk to Best Buy and see if there is anything they will do.
I just had someone tell me this happened today at CC. you have a few options 1. Make a photocopy of another UPC of the same kind of product, just go to store and tell em and they should do it for you 2. go ahead and buy it again, tear out the upc off that one, and return it. You dont need the box to return stuff. one thing im not sure about is how long the return policy at BB is.
thats Circuit City, not clutch city. and even if it is a manufacturers warranty, you should still be able to return the product if you have the receipt. Go ahead give it a try.
Did you copy everything before sending it in? This is the best protection consumers have when dealing with rebates.
Unfortunately I didn't. The instructions clearly stated that they would not accept photocopies of the proof of purchase, so I figured even if I did it wouldn't help me since I couldn't send in the copy. Probably still should have, though, since it would be good to be able to show that to them.
Yeah, unfortunately you're at the whim of the rebate processing company. I scan in everything and keep it in a file on my computer until I get the rebate check. I've never had to use the copies as proof but at least I have some ammunition if needed.
I sent off a $40 mail-in rebate for a Linksys router I bought about two months ago, but I didn't bother to make copies of the receipt or barcode. Damn... you guys have me worried about that now.
You guys are making me paranoid. I sent out a $110 rebate for a hard drive i bought at fry's a few weeks ago and sent in the only copys of the rebate and UPC. Plus i have a scanner in my closet and could have easily made copys. I worked at best buy a few years ago and should know better.
Reading this kinda got me worried about my TIVO rebate from November. I went to the TIVO site and found out you can actually track a TIVO rebate. My chaeck was printed on Wednesday and was mailed to me!!! That will be a nice $50.
These days, I think the best thing to do is to have a friend take pictures of you throughout the whole process. Pictures of you filling out the forms, cutting out the UPC, putting it in an envelope, putting a stamp on it, and throwing it in the mail. And be sure to get signed and notorized affadavits from the person doing the photography. That's really the only way to be sure. Personally, I've never not gotten a rebate I've sent in for, but I do avoid buying anything with a rebate as much as possible.
I've gotten rebates, and sometimes it takes six months before you get it back. So you can be patient. But eventually you need to check on it. Right now I've got two rebates coming from Best Buy companies that were done in November. So I'm gonna check on them soon. The hard part is remembering to open up the mail you get. What you think is junk mail is often the rebate check. So keep your eye open.
